BOOKMARK: What to Expect at the Reimagined Museo Pambata

Welcome to Isla Pambata!
by Ina Louise Manto | December 03, 2024

Museo Pambata, the Philippines’ first children’s museum, proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary with a renewed commitment to shaping the hearts and minds of Filipino children. On December 6, the museum will reopen its doors with a reimagined, interactive space designed to inspire, educate, and spark the imagination of all who visit. 

With the theme Isla Pambata, the museum honors the rich beauty and the power of connection across the islands and seas that make up the Philippines. Isla Pambata celebrates the vibrant diversity of Filipino children, while highlighting the deep bond that unites them all.

“Generations of children have passed through Museo Pambata’s doors, and this anniversary honors them—and those yet to come,” said Nina Lim-Yuson, the museum’s founder. “Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce new exhibits like the Rights of a Child exhibit in the Karapatan Hall, a redesigned Arts & Crafts space envisioned by Robert Alejandro, and the Classroom of the Future pop-up exhibit in collaboration with Khan Academy and Samsung, designed by JJ Acuña,” the founder shares.

 

A reimagined Museo Pambata Experience

Museo Pambata offers a variety of engaging activities that highlight this year’s theme through a series of dynamic exhibits and interactive programs designed to inspire and empower the next generation. These interactive initiatives aim to foster self-expression, spark curiosity, and to deepen connections to local traditions, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.

“Our hope for Museo Pambata is to be an intergenerational cultural playground — where we now bring in the youth to champion forward what we all needed when we were younger, adults who listened to us as kids. As Museo Pambata remains a constant beacon of light and hope for the Filipino child, it is creating this space to pass down and regenerate wisdom that is so valuable. It’s where we want Filipinos of all ages to believe in the power of our culture and collectively dream of this future, today,” shares Bambi Manosa-Tanjutco, Museo Pambata’s President. She adds, “We have curated brand new spaces together with young people as we wanted to blend the traditions we have kept in the museum, iconic spaces that remind us of childhood, yet prepare it for the future. And who better than co-creating it with those whose future it actually is! Museums globally are changing, decolonizing and reimagining into more complex cultural playgrounds and Museo Pambata aims to be at the forefront of this change with Balay Yatu: Asia’s first youth-curated creative space and cultural center. We are creating a feedback loop of energy into the museum so that every person that comes in and out of the space brings with her the spirit of the Filipino and the values we uniquely share with the world.” 

 

Rooms and Areas at Museo Pambata

Kalikasan

Kalikasan inspires kids to nurture their environment through simulations of farming and local rainforests.

 

Habi

Habi exhibits different hand-woven textiles made by indigenous groups in the Philippines.

 

Himig

Introduces the music of the Igorots, the indigenous peoples of the mountains of Luzon.

 

Karagatan

Educates kids on caring for local mangroves and marine life species.

 

Pamayanan

Features installations of local history, from the Galleon Trade to the first electric train.

Bahay Pukyutan

Bahay Pukyutan is a playground inspired by a design by the late National Artist of Architecture, Francisco T. Mañosa.

 

Bahay Kubo 2.0

A reimagined bahay kubo with mosaic of the lyrics by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik.

 

Isla Pambata

The launch of Isla Pambata kicked off with Kislap Ng Watawat—a Flag-Raising Ceremony at Luneta Park as part of the Stop and Salute Movement last November 4. For the museum’s 30th anniversary, Pista Pambata will host a series of festive activities celebrating this milestone including Pista ng Kapuluan—a two-day youth convention on November 30 that will showcase over 700 artworks from across the Philippines, giving young artists a platform to share their voices.

The Sikat Sining program highlights the importance of artistic expression, allowing children to create large-scale artworks that raise awareness about the challenges they face today while Dulaan Pambata transforms the traditional museum experience with living dioramas, bringing characters and stories to life in an immersive, interactive setting. Sikat Sining and Dulaan Pambata will continue as part of the museum’s programs beyond its 30th anniversary.

Taking place on January 25, Parada Pambata will fill the streets of Manila with a colorful parade, where children proudly march and display their handmade artwork. Lastly, the upcoming Pelikula Pambata film festival on February 21-22, 2025 will provide young filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their talent and contribute to the future of Filipino cinema. 

These programs together create a dynamic and inclusive environment for children to explore their creativity and cultural heritage.

Museo Pambata’s Vice President, Sofia Zobel-Elizalde says that the museum’s ongoing commitment to innovation plays a vital role in nurturing creativity in Filipino children. “We have worked hard as a “Bayanihan Community” alongside its founder Nina Lim-Yuson, fellow board members, Ninangs, Ninongs, friends of the museum, sponsors and companies, to RE-IMAGINE the museum for the next generations to come. This initiative is very special and deserves the exposure to as many children as possible.,” Sofia shares. “We are so excited for its re-opening to be able to share its new features found in its new ” Bakuran”, to introduce a newly renovated play ground, Bahay Kubo 2.0, its Tutubing Bakal and a brand new Balay Yatu, an open space for children events, celebrations, workshops, and creative activities. We can’t wait to invite all children back to enjoy this iconic museum that has given so much joy to past generations and that will continue for the many years to come!”

This year’s milestone and reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter in constantly fulfilling Museo Pambata’s mission: to celebrate the Filipino child and Filipino childhood, ensuring that every visit is a transformative experience. New and upgraded immersive exhibits await, exploring Filipino heritage, environmental awareness and social responsibility – each designed to spark curiosity, empathy and inclusivity.

 

Be a part of Museo Pambata’s Vision

Museo Pambata is excited about its 30th journey, but much more remains to be done. The museum continues to rely on the generous support of its benefactors to keep the magic alive. Whether it’s through visiting, donating, or sharing time and talent, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. 

Becoming one of Museo Pamabata’s “Ninong” or “Ninang” is a special way to contribute to the museum’s growth and sustainability. Sponsors, donors, and volunteers help make all the programs and educational exhibits of the museum possible. This year, special tributes and dedications will be given to its incredible partners who play a crucial role in helping the museum thrive.  

Museo Pambata invites everyone to see the museum reimagined and be part of this exciting journey. Visit and relive the magic of childhood, and support its mission to inspire every Filipino child who walks through its doors.

Whether it’s exploring the newly refreshed exhibits, joining the anniversary festivities or enjoying a day of play and learning, Museo Pambata offers a unique, enriching immersive experience for children and children at heart. 

Together, let us continue to make Museo Pambata a transformative space where children can explore, develop a love for the Philippines and its culture, and imagine a brighter future. 

 

Museo Pambata Ticket Price and Opening Hours

Museo Pambata is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 AM to 12 NN for the morning session and 2 PM to 4 PM for the afternoon session.

The ticket price is PHP450 per person. Kids aged 2 years old and below enjoy free entrance.

Find Museo Pambata at Roxas Boulevard cor. South Drive, Ermita, Manila 1000.

 

For more updates and information, follow Museo Pambata on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Disclaimer: This is a press release, and edits have been made by the WindowSeat.PH editorial staff.